 "Nineteen people, including crew members, were onboard Saurya Airlines aircraft that crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu on July 24. Source: X/@NepalPoliceHQ")
Eighteen people, including a female and a Yemeni national, have been killed in a plane crash in Nepal’s Kathmandu on Wednesday. The captain of the aircraft has been rescued and was rushed to a hospital. Around 11 am, a Saurya Airlines aircraft, with 19 onboard, including two crew members, crashed during takeoff from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
The Civil Aviation Ministry of Nepal has also confirmed that 18 people have died in the Saurya Airlines plane crash on July 24.
All those who have died in the mishap were staff of Saurya Airlines. They were going to Pokhara in the ill-fated aircraft, with registration number 9NAME, that had “broken” engine for repair work, a journalist from Nepal told News18.
Soon after the crash, police and firefighters swung into rescue operation, but almost all onboard the aircraft died.
Impact Shorts
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A report by The Kathmandu Post quoted TIA Spokesperson Subash Jha as saying that the plane accident occurred after the Pokhara-bound flight suffered a runway excursion during takeoff. The video from the moment shows the intensity of the accident.
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Jha also confirmed that the Captain of the plane, MR Shakya, had been rescued and rushed to a hospital.
Also Read: At least one plane crash a year, why flying in Nepal is so risky
A report by Himalayan Times quoted information officer at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Gyanendra Bhul as saying that the plane was carrying a few technical staff.
Video of plane crash in Kathmandu
Videos show thick plume of smoke coming from the plane after the crash in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu plane crash: Eyewitnesses recall horror
The The Kathmandu Post report quoted eyewitnesses saying that the Saurya Airlines plane bound to Pokhara was taking off from the Southern-end of the runway (Koteshwor side) when it suddenly flipped with the wing tip hitting the ground.
Also read: 19 plane crashes, 360 dead since 2000: A timeline of air mishaps in Nepal
Immediately, the aircraft caught fire and it then plunged to a gorge on the eastern side of the runway — between Buddha Air hanger and the radar station.
Committee formed to investigate Kathmandu plane crash
Nepal has formed a probe committee to investigate plane crash at the TIA in Kathmandu.
A 5-member investigation committee has been formed under the leadership of Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, former Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Prithivi Subba Gurung, the Spokesperson of Government of Nepal confirmed.
About Saurya Airlines
Saurya Airlines is a domestic carrier in Nepal that has a fleet of just 3 aircrafts and they all are Bombardier CRJ 200. The aircraft has a capacity of 50 passengers.
Umang Sharma is a media professional with over 12 years of experience. Crafting compelling content and using storytelling techniques are his strengths. His interest lies in national, global, political news and events.